Walter is out as backup as the Raiders have acquired Garcia
Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com
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The Oakland Raiders have been very deliberate with their moves this offseason. They have focused on making smart acquisitions at positions of need. With the word out that Jeff Garcia is about to be the next acquisition, it shows that the Raiders deliberate pace is paying off.
The Raiders have needed a veteran quarterback to go with JaMarcus Russell since the 08 offseason, and Garcia will fill that bill. Despite the rhetoric about Garcia 'competing' with Russell for the starting job, barring something extraordinary Russell will be the starter come September 14th.
Jeff Garcia is a cagey veteran who was able to make a name for himself and have three Pro Bowl appearances, despite not being drafted out of San Jose State. He played in the CFL before coming back home to the Bay Area to play with the San Francisco 49ers. With the 49ers, he was able to lead an overachieving team into the playoffs. Despite his soft image, he has a tough streak. He displayed that in a game against the Raiders where he was being pummeled by defensive end Regan Upshaw, and despite getting hit as he threw the ball on nearly every play he was able to pop right back up and continue leading the Niners down the field.
Being that he is the grandson of a football coach, and a long time NFL veteran, he should have a lot of knowledge that he can share with Russell. The fact that they are different types of quarterbacks is immaterial. There are many basic aspects of being a quarterback that is universal.
This move in conjunction with the acquisition of Bruce Gradkowski earlier this offseason likely means that Andrew Walter is on his way out of town. In the past three years, he has fallen from quarterback of the future to third on the depth chart behind Marques Tuiasosopo.
NOTE: The Michael Bush and second round pick to Cincy for Chad OhcoCinco Johnson rumor is likely nothing more than hot air. It is less credible than the T.O. to Oakland rumor earlier this offseason.
Comments
Looks like the draft is going to be all about defense and a WR. WR #1 and the rest all 'D' or D-Line #1, WR #2 and the rest all 'D'. Curry won't fall to us and with all the young O-Lineman we picked up with starting experience, to me that's the way the draft is shaping up. Garcia would be a great pick-up. You need a veteran to help Russell and a guy who could also come off the bench and win games for you.
If Garcia can get Jamarcus to wear glasses and lose weight it will be worth the money Garcia will demand.
I wanted Garcia when boy Kiffin was in town as he fit the WCO better than most. But If Garcia is smart he will go somewhere where they actually have and believe in a very good "O" line. Because the last thing he needs in late career is a an injury. He is not as fast or as big and durable as JR.
the rumor i heard on espn this morning is that garcia may be allowed to compete for the starting job, even if raiders don't intend change their minds, i couldn't hurt to put a little doubt in russels head. i think he would be a great addition
I think Garcia would be a great addition. I'm tired of unproven backups or proven failures as back ups. We need somebody like Garcia that can come in and keep us going strong in the event that Russell goes down.
Oh and Patrick, I appreciate the tid bit at the end about the OchoCinco-Bush trade rumor. If it was true, then I think it would be all over NFL network and ESPN.
Jeff Garcia had better stats outside the pocket than in the pocket last year. I know this, because last year i had money on Carolina when Jeff Garcia killed them and John Madden showed the stats. I think it was Monday night week 14. When he is forced out of the pocket he makes big plays with his arm. He lead quarterbacks in least interceptions thrown and should have went to the Probowl. Great Awareness and he is turning 40. His last step before retiring would be to help develop Russell and give him some much needed Knowledge and work ethic. Great pick up.
Disregard the Probowl comment i was think of chad pennington. similar quarterbacks.
AYE! SOMEBODY PULL THE TRIGGER ON THAT BUSH FOR JOHNSON RUMOR. THAT WOULD PUT THE RAIDERS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. WITH THE RUN GAME THE WAY IT IS AND CHAD WITH ANY OTHER RECIEVER, ITS A DONE DEAL. AT LEAST 8 WINS. DONT FORGET THOSE STRONG DB'S TOO.
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